Zambrana, Cotuí.- During a protest in rejection of the evictions carried out by the mining company Barrick Pueblo Viejoseveral people were injured when a police-military contingent dispersed the protesters with gunshots and bombs.
The protest was promoted by the communities affected by the mining project, which plans to build a new tailings dam to extend its gold extraction in the area, which would imply the eviction of several families residing in the communities of El Higo, El Rayo and Las Tres Bocas, in the mining district of Zambrana, Cotuí.
He deputy of the Power of the People, José Alberto Jiménezwho represented those affected, demanded the urgent intervention of the Government, especially President Luis Abinader, to guarantee that the relocation and eviction process is carried out in a fair and transparent manner.
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The congressman highlighted that these families have been cocoa producers for decades, and that although at the beginning of the eviction process cocoa prices were low in the international market, the current situation is different, which raises the communities’ expectations for make the relocation agreement more favorable.
Jiménez also stressed that the State, as owner and shareholder of Barrick Gold, has the responsibility of guaranteeing that these evictions are carried out with due consensus between the families, the mining company and the government, always seeking social justice and the well-being of the people. communities.
The injured were transferred to the primary care unit of the area’s public health network, where they received medical attention.
The altercation occurred when the protesters were getting ready to demand better conditions in the relocation process and payments for their land. However, the attempt at peaceful protest was put down by the authorities with the use of ammunition and tear gas.
The situation remains tense, and government intervention is expected to resolve the conflict appropriately and peacefully.
